Reptile Care Tips for National Reptile Awareness Day

Wednesday 21 October is National Reptile Awareness Day, a chance to celebrate the geckos, dragons, snakes and tortoises that share so many UK homes. Reptiles make fascinating pets, but they are also some of the most misunderstood. Their needs are very specific, and getting reptile care right as the weather turns colder matters more than at any other time of year.

With the clocks going back on Sunday 25 October too, this is a good week to give your reptile care routine a proper check.

Why Reptile Care Is Different

Reptiles are ectothermic, which means they cannot make their own body heat. They rely entirely on their environment to stay warm enough to move, digest food and fight off illness. In the wild, they get this from the sun. In our homes, they get it from us.

That is why good reptile care comes down to getting the environment right. A reptile that is too cold will not just be uncomfortable. Its whole body slows down, and problems can build quietly before you notice anything is wrong.

Reptile Care Basics: Heating and Temperature

Most reptiles need a temperature gradient in their enclosure, with a warm basking spot at one end and a cooler area at the other so they can move between the two. The exact temperatures depend on the species, so always check what yours needs.

As autumn sets in and our homes get colder, a few things are worth checking:

• Every heat source should be controlled by a working thermostat
• Use a digital thermometer at both the warm and cool ends
• Check temperatures at night as well as during the day
• Keep enclosures away from draughty windows and doors

Lighting and UVB

Many reptiles, including bearded dragons and a lot of other lizards, need UVB lighting to process calcium and stay healthy. UVB bulbs lose their strength over time even when they still look bright, so check the manufacturer’s guidance and replace them on schedule. It is one of the most overlooked parts of reptile care.

The Clocks Going Back

When the clocks go back, it is worth checking your lighting timers. Some digital timers update themselves and some do not, and mechanical timers never do. Your reptile will not mind the hour, but it is a useful reminder to make sure lights are coming on and going off when you expect, and that feeding and handling still fit around them.

Brumation and Winter Behaviour

Some species, bearded dragons in particular, may slow down in autumn and winter, eat less and sleep more. This is called brumation, and in healthy reptiles it can be normal. The catch is that a reptile slowing down can also be a sign of illness or an enclosure that is too cold.

Never assume brumation. If your reptile’s behaviour changes, check their temperatures and get them seen by a vet with reptile experience before letting them settle down for the winter.

Have a Plan for Power Cuts

Winter storms and power cuts are a bigger worry for reptile keepers than for most pet owners. If the power goes off, keep the enclosure closed to hold in heat, cover it with blankets and keep the room as warm as you safely can. It is worth thinking about what you would do before it happens, rather than working it out in the dark.

Reptile Care When You Are Away

Half term and the Christmas holidays are coming up, and reptile care is not something to hand over to a well meaning neighbour who has never kept one. Temperatures, lighting, feeding and spotting early signs of illness all need someone who knows what they are looking at.

Our reptiles and exotic care service means your reptile stays at home in their own setup, cared for by someone who understands their needs. We also offer small animal care for rabbits, guinea pigs and other small pets, and pet sitting for households with a mix of animals.

We Love Pets Is Here to Help

Good reptile care is rewarded with years of fascinating company. This National Reptile Awareness Day, give your setup a once over and make sure your scaly friend is ready for winter. If you would like support, find your local We Love Pets branch and see who covers your area.

And if you would love to turn your passion for animals into a business, take a look at our franchise opportunities.